Central African Republic: ICRC condemns killing of staff member

Bangui/Geneva (ICRC) – The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) is shocked and saddened by the killing of one of its staff in the Central African Republic. Youssouf Atteipe, an ICRC driver, died on Saturday while taking part in a convoy delivering much-needed aid to victims of the armed conflict in the country.

Youssouf was killed when an ICRC convoy made up of a truck and a four-wheel-drive vehicle was shot at by unknown assailants as part of an apparent robbery. The convoy was attacked in an area east of Kaga Bandoro, in the center-north of the country. He was traveling in a vehicle that was clearly marked with the red cross emblem.

“We are shocked and dismayed by the killing of our colleague Youssouf, which once again shows a flagrant lack of respect for human life,” deplored Jean-François Sangsue, ICRC head of delegation in Bangui. “That this attack occurred as Youssouf was delivering aid for the victims of the conflict in the Central African Republic only makes it more tragic and unacceptable.”

Youssouf joined the ICRC in February 2013. He was married and leaves behind seven children.

Violence has intensified throughout the country in the past year and is taking a heavy toll on the civilian population. The ICRC calls on all those involved in the conflict to spare and safeguard civilians and ensure that humanitarian workers can perform their duties. The ICRC has this year taken part in a public campaign to remind everyone that its staff are humanitarian workers who seek only to improve the lives of victims of war. We repeat that campaign’s message today: We are #NotATarget.